“A school earns a Star of Distinction when it performs in the top 25 percent of its peer group in that category,” TISD spokesman Matthew LeBlanc said. “While we judge success at Temple by much more than standardized test results, these Stars of Distinction are certainly one indicator of what we already know—Temple schools and Temple Independent School District are among the best in Texas, especially in science and math.”

Kyle DeBeer, spokesman for BISD, said Belton schools’ distinctions increased from 27 last year to 38 this year.

A TISD press release said Temple third-graders saw significant gains in reading and math; fourth-graders also did well in math; and fifth-graders saw gains in math, science and reading. Math scores also increased at Temple High School.

“Temple ISD is a great place to be right now, and we’re excited to see what our students achieve in the year ahead,” LeBlanc said.

In TISD, Thornton Elementary School earned distinctions in math, science and student progress. Western Hill Elementary received English and student progress. Jefferson Elementary was recognized for science and student progress. Kennedy-Powell Elementary was noted for English, math, science, closing performance gaps, social studies and student progress. Bonham Middle School was noted for English, math, science, closing gaps, social studies and student progress. Travis Science Academy was honored for science, social studies and student progress. Temple High School was honored for science.

In BISD, Belton High School earned distinctions in English, Math, Science, student progress and postsecondary readiness. Belton New Tech High School @Waskow earned distinctions in science and closing performance gaps. Lake Belton Middle School was recognized for English, science, student progress and postsecondary readiness. North Belton Middle School was honored for science, social studies and closing performance gaps. South Belton Middle School achieved distinctions in science and social studies.

Chisholm Trail Elementary earned distinctions for English, science and postsecondary readiness. Lakewood Elementary earned achievements in English, math, science, performance gaps and postsecondary readiness. Miller Heights Elementary School earned a distinction in closing performance gaps. Pirtle Elementary was recognized for student progress, closing performance gaps and postsecondary readiness. Sparta Elementary was recognized for English, math, science, closing performance gaps and postsecondary readiness. Tarver Elementary earned distinctions in English, math, science, student progress and postsecondary readiness.